One Piece: The Saiyan Pirate

CHAPTER 26: ENTER, KUZAN AOKIJI

Goku hovered high in the night sky, his sharp eyes observing the scene below. He watched as Nami, tears streaming down her face, ran frantically through the streets of Coco Village. The marines, now out of sight, had left her in a state of despair. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she finally collapsed to her knees, her body shaking with uncontrollable sobs and cries. She pounded the ground in anger and frustration, her mind racing to understand who had betrayed her.

Only one name surfaced in her thoughts: Arlong. His image burned in her mind, and with it, a surge of hatred. Trembling with rage, she reached for the tattoo on her shoulder, the symbol of her forced allegiance to the Fish-Man pirate. Filled with a sense of helplessness, she pulled a knife from her shorts and began stabbing at the tattoo. "Arlong!" she screamed, each stab a desperate attempt to erase the mark that had enslaved her. Blood flowed from her arm, the pain mingling with her fury.

On the fifth stab, her strength waned, and just as she was about to strike again, a strong hand caught her wrist. She turned to see Goku standing behind her, his face expressionless. "What are you still doing here?" she demanded, her voice breaking. "I don't need your help. This is my village, so just leave!"

Goku remained silent, his grip firm but gentle. Nami struggled and screamed, but he stood his ground, his presence calm and unwavering. Eventually, her cries turned into soft sobs, and she looked into his eyes, the starlight reflecting her despair. "Goku, help me," she whispered.

He smiled warmly, his hand reaching up to place his straw hat on her head. "Of course I will," he said. "But first, we need to take care of that wound." He pointed to her bleeding shoulder.

A few minutes later, they were aboard the Going Merry with the rest of the crew. Nami recounted the events in a trembling voice—how Arlong had betrayed their deal, how the marines had taken her hard-earned treasure. Nojiko carefully tended to Nami's wound, her hands gentle and soothing.

Meanwhile, Goku stepped out, leaving Sanji, Usopp, Gin, Yosaku, and Johnny to discuss Arlong's betrayal. Zoro followed Goku to the bow of the ship, where they stood in silence, staring out into the dark expanse of the ocean.

"I know you're angry," Zoro began.

"When I'm angry, you'll know I'm angry," Goku replied tersely.

"Then what's going on?"

Goku struggled with the truth he wanted to share. How could he explain to Zoro that he was an assassin from Earth who had taken over the body of Goku, who in turn had replaced Luffy in this world? The words stuck in his throat. "I don't know exactly what I'm feeling," he admitted instead. "I have this feeling of doom in my stomach that I can't shake."

"I've been feeling that way since we got to this island," Zoro confessed. "Is it Ria?"

"No, this is different, and I don't think it's Arlong either," Goku answered. "Tomorrow we'll probably find out what it is, but for now, I don't know."

Their conversation was interrupted by Sanji's call. "Dinner is ready, guys!" The smell of cooking meat wafted through the air, immediately lifting Goku's mood.

***

Just an hour away from the Conomi Islands, two small marine ships sailed towards a massive marine ship anchored in the distance. The smaller ships, led by Captain Nezumi, approached cautiously. As they neared, they were pulled up and boarded the larger vessel.

A young lieutenant hurried up to Nezumi, his appearance marked by a frantic and scared demeanor. He had short, tousled hair, and his uniform was slightly disheveled, reflecting his nervousness.

"Anything happen while I was away?" Nezumi asked, a hint of irritation in his voice. "Any trouble among the crew or pirates causing issues?"

"N-nothing of the sort, sir," the lieutenant stammered. "But we do have an unexpected guest from Marine Headquarters."

Nezumi's eyes widened in surprise. "A captain?" he asked, trying to maintain his composure.

The lieutenant hesitated, his face pale. "A-an admiral, sir."

Nezumi nearly collapsed from the shock, his legs trembling. "An admiral?" he echoed, disbelief and fear evident in his voice. His mind raced, trying to comprehend the implications of such a high-ranking officer's presence on his ship.

The crew, equally stunned, whispered among themselves, the tension palpable. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Nezumi as he prepared to face the unexpected guest, the future of their mission now uncertain.

Captain Nezumi felt a surge of panic as he processed the news. He shoved the young lieutenant aside and bolted towards his office, his mind racing. As he burst into the room, he saw a figure lounging in his chair, legs casually draped over the desk, illuminated by the flickering candlelight.

"Admiral Aokiji," Nezumi stammered, trying to regain his composure. "My apologies, I was unaware of your arrival. Otherwise, I would have been here to welcome you."

Aokiji, his eyes half-lidded and voice characteristically slow and measured, responded, "No harm done, Nezumi. I am here on business."

Nezumi's heart pounded. He knew Aokiji was aware of his corrupt dealings but hoped the admiral wouldn't act on it. "What brings you here, sir?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"There have been reports of pirate activity in the area," Aokiji began, his tone calm yet authoritative. "A group of Fish-Men, led by a pirate named Arlong."

Nezumi's stomach dropped. Arlong was his primary source of illicit income. "I-I assure you, Admiral, I've been handling the situation," he lied, sweat beading on his forehead.

Aokiji's gaze bore into him, unyielding. "Tomorrow, we will be investigating these towns thoroughly. We will find this Fish-Man and put an end to his reign."

Nezumi's mind raced with thoughts of lost bribes and power. "Of course, sir," he said, forcing a smile. "I'll ensure everything is in order for the investigation."

Aokiji nodded, his expression unreadable. "Good. I expect full cooperation."

Nezumi left the office, his mind a whirlwind of fear and anger. His lucrative arrangement with Arlong was under threat, and there was little he could do to stop it.

***

The following morning, the Going Merry sailed gracefully over the sparkling ocean. Goku stood at the bow, gazing out at the horizon. The morning sun bathed the sea in a golden glow, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within him. Nami, her shoulder bandaged and still wearing the iconic straw hat, approached him hesitantly.

"Goku," she began, her voice tinged with regret. "I should have asked for your help earlier. I hate that I couldn't."

Goku turned to her, his expression soft but determined. "It doesn't matter now, Nami. What matters is that we will take down Arlong and reclaim your home. The rest we can deal with later."

Nami's eyes welled up with tears at his words, a mixture of relief and gratitude washing over her. "Thank you," she whispered.

"For now," Goku said, adjusting the hat on her head, "just keep wearing this hat."

Their moment was interrupted by Zoro's voice. "We're ready, Captain."

Goku looked back to see Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, Gin, Johnny, and Yosaku, all prepared for battle. Their faces were set with determination, ready to fight for their friend and comrade.

Goku turned to face them fully, his voice rising with conviction. "Today, we face the strongest group of pirates in the East Blue. They have terrorized these waters for too long. But today, we end that. We are not just a crew; we are a family. And no one messes with our family."

He saw the fire ignite in their eyes as he continued. "Nami has suffered under Arlong's tyranny for years. She fought alone, but no more. We stand with her, we fight for her, and we will win for her. This is our time to show the world who we are—to prove that we are the best in the East Blue."

Nami's tears fell freely as she listened to Goku's impassioned speech, her heart swelling with hope and resolve.

"Are you ready?" Goku shouted, his voice ringing out over the waves.

"Yes, Captain!" they responded in unison, their voices strong and united.

"Then let's go," Goku declared. "Let's show Arlong what it means to mess with the Straw Hat Pirates!"

With renewed determination, the crew prepared for the impending battle. The air was thick with anticipation as they sailed towards their destiny, ready to confront the Arlong Pirates and reclaim Nami's home. The fight for justice, for freedom, and for their family was about to begin.

[A/N: Read 10 chapters ahead available on patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels]